Norwalk Teens Help The Hungry By Taking Part In 30-Hour Famine

Mayor Harry Rilling uses a bullhorn to speak to the youth group at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church as its members begin a 30-hour famine on Saturday. Photo Credit: Rick ReardonThe youth group at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Norwalk set up toilets in snowy yards to publicize the 30-hour famine. Photo Credit: St. Philip Church Facebook page

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NORWALK, Conn. -- As the youth group at St. Philip Church in Norwalk prepared to begin a 30-hour fast on Saturday morning, Mayor Harry Rilling and state Sen. Bob Duff congratulated the teens for their commitment to feed the hungry.

The teens are taking part all weekend in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students in the United States and around the world unite for the event to learn about hunger, raise funds to help the hungry, and then go hungry themselves for 30 hours.

The money raised goes to World Vision, an international relief organization that helps the world's poorest children, and Manna House, a Norwalk soup kitchen.

Saturday's event began with a speech from the mayor and a 1-mile hunger walk in the city. The teens spent the rest of the day keeping busy with activities, games, service projects, music and prayer -- but not eating. The fast ends with a breakfast Sunday with all the participants.

Norwalk residents have probably spotted some reminders of the event. As part of its fundraising, the youth group placed brightly colored toilets in yards across Norwalk to call attention to the cause .

Their goal is to raise $35,000 to help feed the hungry. To make a donation, send a check payable to World Vision or Manna House to Famine at St. Philip Church, Father Conlon Place, Norwalk CT 06851.